Blue Jays: Three second base options for the 2022 season

The Toronto Blue Jays made one of the best signings of the offseason last year in inking Marcus Semien to a one-year $18 million dollar deal. Since it was a one-year deal it came with virtually no risk and Semien reaped the rewards by cashing in this offseason, signing a seven-year $175 million dollar deal with the Texas Rangers.

Semien shattered any reasonable expectations with the season he had. He hit 45 home runs which broke the record for the most round-trippers in a single season by a second baseman and the fifth most a Blue Jay has hit in a single season. He played a fantastic second base after being a career shortstop with the Athletics resulting in his first career Gold Glove. He finished third in the American League MVP balloting. He’s a big reason the Blue Jays won 91 games.

Who should the Blue Jays target to play second base?

That kind of production will be incredibly difficult to replace, if not impossible. The Jays do have some solid infielders on the roster with Bo Bichette manning shortstop and Vladimir Guererro Jr. at first base. The other two spots are up for grabs. Santiago Espinal is coming off a surprisingly good offensive season, but is that sustainable? Cavan Biggio figures to have a spot somewhere at least splitting time with Espinal, and can very easily slide in to play third base as he did in 52 of the 79 games he played last season. If that happens, the Blue Jays would really benefit by acquiring a better second baseman.

The free-agent market is pretty weak in the second base category with guys like Donovan Solano and former Blue Jay Jonathan Villar as the better options who can play second base.